CORONAVIRUS | Malaysia has recorded 31 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest number since March 12, when a mere nine cases were detected.

Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this brings the total number of confirmed cases to date to 5,851.

Of the 31 new cases, 10 were imported and 21 were local transmissions, he added.

Speaking at his daily briefing in Putrajaya this evening, Noor Hisham also reported one new death. This has raised the death toll to 100.

He said the death involves Patient 3,628, who is a 67-year-old Malaysian man.

The man had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

"He was treated at the Sungai Buloh Hospital, Selangor on April 4 and was confirmed to have passed away on April 28 at 9.40am," Noor Hisham told the press conference.

He said another 75 Covid-19 patients have also recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,032 or 68.9 percent of the total cases.

Of those undergoing treatment, 36 are in intensive care units (ICUs), down from 37 yesterday, with 17 requiring ventilators, the same as yesterday.

Noor Hisham noted that the government has succeeded in "flattening the curve" and the country is now in the recovery phase.

He pointed out that the number of active cases, meaning Covid-19 patients who are yet to recover and able to infect others, had peaked on April 5 with 2,596 cases.

However, he said as of today, the number of active cases stood at 1,719.

"This achievement is the result of the government's proactive and aggressive action in containing the spread of Covid-19 during the movement control order (MCO) period.

"The MCO helped reduce interaction among people and therefore reduced the infectivity," Noor Hisham said.

He added that this is on top of various targeted approaches to trace and contain the virus.

Long battle ahead

Despite the positive developments, Noor Hisham warned of a long battle ahead.

"The MCO cannot eliminate Covid-19 completely. The people must be prepared to face this virus for a longer time.

"The Health Ministry will continue with containing and control activities. Active participation by the people will be of utmost importance," he said.

Noor Hisham also highlighted threats of imported cases, pointing out that the country had recorded 154 Covid-19 cases amongst Malaysians returning from abroad, who are required to isolate themselves at quarantine centres.

He urged Malaysians to continue practising good hygiene and social distancing.

"Considering that there is still no vaccine against Covid-19, these practises can serve as the 'vaccine' to combat Covid-19," he said.

He also encouraged Malaysians going to public places to put on a face mask.

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